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Four popular cooking oils: Avocado, coconut, olive, palm

Healthy fat. Sounds like a contradiction in terms, doesn’t it?

Despite its somewhat sketchy reputation, fat is actually a nutrient that your body needs to function properly. It boosts your energy level and helps you absorb vitamins. The key is to eat the right fats.

Monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats are considered healthy fats because they can help lower your blood pressure, reduce bad cholesterol levels and improve your heart health. They are typically found in fish and plant-based foods and are in liquid form when at room temperature.

Saturated and trans fats are considered unhealthy fats because they raise your bad cholesterol levels and increase your risk of heart disease. They are typically found in red meat, butter and processed foods. Some tropical oils, like coconut or palm, are liquids but this type fat is usually in solid form when at room temperature.

Finding the right fat to use for your next recipe can be difficult. Here’s a quick guide.

Find a doctor

The expert team at Providence can help you develop a plan make nutritious choices for your meals. Search for a doctor in our regional directory or find a location near you:

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This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.

About the Author

We are all about food! The Providence Nutrition Team loves to talk about and share our expertise on how to help you find the right diet, food types and maintenance tactics to help you live life to the fullest...while also enjoying the best foods that mother nature has to offer.